Jail after fleeing from cops

Photo: Darren Handschuh - File photo

A Vernon woman spotted by RCMP officers while she was driving a stolen car last December, then causing a crash and fleeing on foot, has been given more jail time.

Alyssa Courtney Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to several charges Wednesday in a Vernon courtroom, including; possession of stolen property (a stolen cell phone case), dangerous driving (fleeing police) and possession of a weapon (collapsable baton) contrary to her probation order.

Judge R. D. Morgan sentenced Brown to eight months in jail. However Brown will spend only four months more behind bars after being given credit for time served.

Defense and Crown counsel presented a joint submission on the time Brown should serve.

Defense lawyer Claire Mastop said her client wants to “turn her life around” and told the court Brown was actively seeking a rehab program to help her deal with her substance issues.

She began smoking crack at age 13 and has battled drug addiction ever since. Brown has also had numerous brushes with the law.

Mastop also pointed out Brown turned herself in on March 17 because she was afraid she was going to break her parole.

Mastop said during a stint in rehab, Brown saw the path she was on so she turned herself over to the court rather than risk breaking the law again.

Along with four months in jail, Brown was given 12 months probation, prohibited from possessing weapons for three years, must abstain from drugs and alcohol, she can not go near the Vernon Walmart and can not be in a vehicle without the registered owner present.

She will also have her driver's license suspended for 12 months.

The charges of dangerous driving stem and theft from incidents in December, 2015.

On Dec. 1 at approximately 3 p.m., officers patrolling the area of 32nd Avenue and 32nd Street observed a Nissan Juke that had been reported stolen from the Vernon area two days earlier.

“The vehicle fled the area, running a red light at 30th Avenue and 37th Street. It continued west on 30th Avenue and struck another vehicle,” said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “The female driver then got out and attempted to flee on foot. She was arrested a short distance later. At no point did police pursue this vehicle, nor was police emergency equipment ever turned on.”

The 57-year-old male driver and 86-year-old male passenger of the vehicle which was struck sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

On Dec. 22, a loss prevention officer with Walmart saw Brown steal a cellphone case worth less than $20.